What it is
Some breaks need the bone putting back in place or surgery, especially if the finger is rotated, the break goes into a joint, or the thumb is involved.
Keeping the finger moving once allowed helps avoid stiffness.
Common signs
- Pain, swelling and bruising
- Difficulty bending the finger
- A finger that looks bent or rotated
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination
- X-ray
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- X-ray reports
- Hand clinic or fracture clinic letters
- Hand therapy exercises
Questions to ask your doctor
- Does it need a splint, strapping or surgery?
- How long until I can use my hand normally?
- Which exercises will stop it getting stiff?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A finger that is cold, pale or numb, or a deep wound over the break: go to an emergency department
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.